By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Nearly a thousand fans converged on Lincoln Road last Thursday for the South Beach premiere of Transformers: Dark of the Moon despite torrential downpours, barricades, street closures and police presence.  A soggy Michael Bay, the film’s director, a part-time Miami Beach resident, spent lots of time on the red sponge carpet, greeting and talking with fans. To the surprise and cheers of the crowd, at around 7 p.m., more than an hour behind schedule, JT Holmes and three fellow members of the Red Bull Air Force skydiving team – Jon DeVore, Andy Farrington, and Mike Swanson – parachuted from a helicopter 2,000 feet in the air, performing their trademark high-speed landings on the intersection of Lincoln and Alton roads.  One of the jumpers’ parachutes got caught in the traffic light and had to be cut down by firefighters, just adding to the excitement of those gathered. 

VIP guests were then escorted into the theater- some lucky enough to enjoy the movie along with Bay, Tyrese Gibson, who has played Air Force Master Sergeant Robert Epps in all three blockbuster films, Pat and Chris Riley and U2 guitarist, The Edge (there’s a U2 song in the movie).  Bay gave a brief overview of his vision for the films, talked about his first movie in Miami, Bad Boys starring Will Smith, introduced the skydiving team, which was in the audience and closed with, “I hope you got some rest, because this is going to be a wild ride.” Gibson also Read the rest of this entry »

On Thursday, June 9, InterContinental Miami hosted its annual kick-off celebration in honor of the upcoming 17^th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, to be held on Saturday, November 5. The palpable excitement in the room came as a result of presentations by Norman Wedderburn, President/CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Southern Florida; Shareef Malnik, Ball Chairman and proprietor of The Forge Restaurant | Winebar; and Robert Hill, Ball Host and General Manager of InterContinental Miami.  The “Three Amigos” gave short yet poignant speeches about the Ball’s mission and success to date and kept the crowd of 200 abuzz about the main gala, themed – and dubbed – “The Party of the Century.” 

“We are very excited about our continued partnership with Make-A-Wish of Southern Florida. In recent years, the Ball has always sold out months in advance as it has become the event of Miami’s Social Season” said Hill.  “This year will certainly not disappoint with an over-the-top affair.”  Having raised $9.6 Million in the history of the Ball, we are delighted that with your support this year will mark the $10 Million Ball, to deliver hope to children with life-threatening medical conditions in our community.” Malnik continued, “It’s only fitting we celebrate this phenomenal feat to the tune of one of history’s most unforgettable events – Truman Capote’s famous ‘Black & White Ball’ also known as ‘The Party of the Century.” Guests can also expect an action-packed live auction emceed by Scent of a Woman Tango dancer and Burn Notice star, Gabrielle (Hoo Ah!) Anwar, who has made a career out of provoking her co-stars and fans with her tempting ways. 

Esteemed guests at the kick-off celebration included Founding Benefactors Howard and Barbara Glicken; former Make-A-Wish Foundation Chairman of The Board Robby Elias; philanthropist Dr. Sanford Ziff; Ball sponsor and owner of Primp Salon, Jonathan Babicka; Dr. Leonard Tachmes; Lady Monica Heftler; Baroness Beatrice Clancy; Aristotle and Diane Ares and Tara Solomon, all of whom enjoyed musical entertainment, cocktails and an elegant spread by InterContinental Miami’s Executive Chef Alexander Feher. 

Tables for the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball range from $5,000 to $20,000, and for the past five consecutive years, seats have been sold out two months prior to the event. Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children who have life-threatening medical conditions. Wish Sponsors range from $5,000 to $100,000. Tables, wishes and other sponsorship opportunities can be purchased by calling 954.967.9474 extension 318 or by visiting www.sfla.wish.org.

By: Maryanne Salvat
Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Miami

Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Miami joins forces with over 40 of South Florida’s hottest chefs and mixologists, to take a stand against childhood hunger. On Thursday, July 7, satiate your palate for a great cause, raising critical funds needed to end this significant crisis. In its 24th year, Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation Miami returns to the legendary Fairmont Turnberry Isle. This special evening – themed “Don’t Ignore the Signs”after Share Our Strength’s national campaign – will be emceed by Emmy award-winning TV anchors Laurie Jennings and Calvin Hughes of WPLG Miami, and will showcase the latest cuisine, the best wines & spirits, live music, and an impressive array of silent and live auction items. General admission is $100 per ticket ($125 at the door); VIP tickets are priced at $200 each ($250 at the door). Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-877-26-TASTE or visiting www.strengthflorida.org.
 

 

South Miami’s Taste of the Town

On Saturday, July 9, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., South Miami opens its doors and kitchens for a culinary experience under the stars.  Held on the rooftop of the parking garage overlooking the city, guests will sample culinary delights by many of the area’s popular restaurants, including Segafredo South Miami, Casa Lario’s, Casa Toscano, Cervezas, Dan Marino’s, Fox’s Lounge, Fresh Dash, Gardner’s Market, Irish Times, OMG Burgers, Outback Steakhouse, Power Pizza, Shula’s 347, Sole Trattoria, Swensen’s, Whisk Gourmet Food and Catering, and many more. Zoo Miami’s Ron Magill will be the Master of Ceremony for the evening and local bands will provide live entertainment. Advance tickets are $25 per person, $40 per couple; VIP Packages available for $50 per person, includes  special seating area, complimentary cocktails, in addition to the samplers, beer and wine.  To pre-purchase tickets online, visit www.mdparks.org. 
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade and the Million Trees Miami Project.

 

Miguel Paredes Unveils Superhero

Miguel Paredes will unveil his newest piece of artwork, Superhero, at his Wynwood gallery on Saturday, July 9, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. during the neighborhood’s popular Second Saturday Art Walk. At the premiere, guests will enjoy refreshing nitro ice cream treats (liquid nitrogen ice cream with premium fruity and nutty mix-ins), compliments of HaVen Gastro-Lounge. In addition, complimentary Zignum Mezcal signature cocktails will be available, along with beer from the Heineken Light art bar, a selection of Rex Goliath wines and sparkling water courtesy of Perrier. Local DJ Ari X will provide the tunes for the evening. PK Graphics is also a sponsor and supporter of the event. Those interested in attending should confirm their RSVP by emailing RSVP@miguelparedes.com.

 

 

Fairchild’s Mango Brunch

This Sunday, July 10, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden celebrates the Mango in conjunction with their International Mango Festival.  The highly anticipated brunch brings together some of Miami’s best chefs to create original and amazing mango dishes. Guests can expect mouthwatering dishes prepared by : Chef Sean Bernal of The Delano, Chefs Frank and Andrea Randazzo of Creative Tastes Catering, Chef Ralph Pagano of STK Miami, Chef Tom Parlo of The Biltmore Hotel, Chef Allen Susser, and Chef Gail Goetch of Essensia at The Palms Hotel.  Tickets are $100 for Fairchild members, $125 for non-members, to reserve seats call 305.663.3358 or visit www.fairchildgarden.org.

 

Outdoor Chic at DCOTA

Join Joe Fava, Lara Shelton from La Plates, artist Ashley Longshore, and Omar Guzman of Liquid Art Pools as they join forces at DCOTA on Wednesday, July 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, to present a dynamic conversation about improving outdoor living environments. The conversation will include landscaping, and alfresco entertaining.  Whether on a city terrace or a big backyard, it’s all about stylish outdoor living! Lunch will be held at INSIDE OUT, Suite B-216 and is free and open to the public. To RSVP, contact marketing@DCOTA.com.

 

Bowling For Rhinos

On Friday, July 15, get out your bowling shoes for the annual Bowling for Rhinos Fundraiser, benefitting the South Florida Chapter of AAZK’S rhino conservation projects. Bird Bowl, AAZK, and Zoo Miami invite everyone for a night of excitement that includes: bowling, raffles, and a silent auction.  Registration opens at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public.  The “Bowl-a-thon” runs from 8 to 9:30 p.m.; tickets cost $35.00 per bowler, for more information call 305.251.0400 or sfaazk@yahoo.com.

 
Papi Makes a Splash at Swim Week

Miami-based, papi (intentional lowercase) will be among the first brands featuring both underwear and swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Swim.  The papi label will be showcased at the Miami Beach Convention Center featuring its 2011 underwear collection and the debut of papi swimwear which will be available both in stores and online at www.papiinc.com in early 2012.  Additionally, papi will be part of a group show at the exclusive Soho Beach House (4385 Collins Avenue) on Friday, July 15 at 8 p.m. along with Mercedes Benz 2010 featured designer, Trina Turk and designs sold at Neiman Marcus. Proceeds from the show will benefit Style Saves, a not for profit organization that provides needy students with funding for school clothes. Tickets cost $50 in advance, $75 at door and $30 for the after party only. For more information, contact Edison Lozada at elozada@isaco.com.

New on the Brickell scene is Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant, (pronounced F’doe) a large, gorgeous, cavernous space manufactured in Dublin and built and installed by a team of Irish craftsmen. How’s that for authentic? The name means “long ago” as the owners strive to provide the typical atmosphere and grub of the neighborhood Irish pub- a central element to the Irish culture. 

While Fadó is new to us, it has 13 sister restaurants throughout the country.  The concept and structure are authentic but not cramped- with five different event spaces to meet guests varying purposes:  from clubbing to watching sports or enjoying a perfect pint at the bar.  

The menu extends beyond your typical Irish fare to include delicious burgers, salads and Phillies.  Try the blackened chicken and shrimp boxty, Guinness BBQ hot wings, Bangers and Mash, shepherd’s pie and cheese dip and wedges. Wash it all down with your favorite Irish beer. 

But what Fado serves up best of all, is good ol’ fashioned, certified pure Irish craic, which means “fun” (put the pipe away!).  So grab a buddy, a pint, and some bites, and let the craic roll!

Have an affinity for Latin fare with flair? Does the thought of fresh seafood, perfectly prepared ceviche, and sensational sizzling steaks make your mouth water (it’s watering right now, isn’t it?) Well, put this down and head to De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean, (formerly at the Astor hotel) owned and operated by culinary wizard, James Beard Award winning chef, Douglas Rodriguez, who raises the bar when it comes to seafood and ceviche and takes Nuevo Latino cuisine to new heights by infusing his Cuban roots throughout his dishes with bold Latin spices.  The expansive yet warm, 200-seat, beachfront restaurant is the Bentley hotel’s best kept secret, and includes two full bars, a 25-foot ceviche bar (featuring 15 types of ceviche), wooden mermaids, tropical plants and seafood supplied by environmentally responsible fisherman and fish farms. 

De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean is one of the few restaurants on South Beach located directly on the ocean so you can enjoy the salty sea air from inside the stylish, dimly lit dining room, or on the gorgeous outdoor patio. Sounds pretty romantic huh? Unique to De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean is that the menu includes a number of gluten-free items:  root vegetables are used instead of grains and wheat.  Noteworthy dishes include:  the pan con bistec – made with braised short rib and crunchy crust, which is technically an appetizer but can easily serve as an entrée and the arugula/prosciutto salad- also delicious and beautifully presented. With regards to ceviche, the Thai Lobster is among the most popular and the lobster and steak dishes are also quite good.  When asked about the menu offerings, Chef Rodriguez explained, “If I can find purveyors who ensure the products we get are responsibly grown, fished, picked, and so on, then I can feel good about the food on the plate and so can my guests.”  The knowledgeable and delightful servers are such fans of the food and of the chef that you may find yourself ordering half the menu (and asking them to join you for dessert). 

The staff at De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean promises to delight guests with a terrific overall experience – a trifecta of food, drink and entertainment.  According to Rodriguez, “We strive to go to provide guests of every age with an entertaining experience from start to finish.”  So the next time you crave fresh seafood, served in a sexy setting just steps from the sea, head to De Rodriguez Cuba – D-Rod’s got you covered.

Christian Slater and Brittany Lopez attended Ryan Trecartin’s Any Ever (2009-2010) opening reception at the Museum of Contemporary Art  MOCA) which features the artist’s seven movie video collaboration, produced in Miami with Lizzie Fitch and other contributors. The presentation of Any Ever at MOCA is the first time that the work has been shown in its entirety in Miami, which was not only the setting for the movies and inspiration for some of their content, but is also a character within the works. MOCA continued the celebration at the Standard Miami Beach for the Ryan Trecartin: Any Ever after party. Guests at the reception and party enjoyed signature drinks by Grey Goose vodka and a performance by artists Raul de Nieves and Colin Self. 

Photography editor Beth Hancock of Art and Commerce spent last week in town from Manhattan with Vogue Italia’s it-boy Greg Lotus curating tens of thousands of his famed fashion, beauty and art images that will be included in the magazine’s archives.  Lotus’s work spans twenty years and he joins the ranks of  Steven Meisel, Ellen von Unwerth, David LaChapelle, Robert Mapplethorpe among others represented by A+C after being introduced to Hancock earlier this year by Michael Leondas Kirkland in New York City.  Lotus hosted a poolside cocktail at his Miami home for Hancock and he and his entourage were seen about town nightly, usually ending each evening at Soho Beach House, where Hancock held intimate corner-table conversation with Max Lugavere, and mingled with the likes of Marcos Balladares, Ruth and Alan Zelcer, Edison Lozada, Alex Mijares and yours truly.  Hancock topped off the weekend with an intimate dinner in Lotus’ honor at Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink which included his wonderful studio manager Tiziana Nenezic, her husband Mick, Fredrick Valentin, and Kirkland. IMG is the parent company of Art and Commerce, which manages superstars from Roger Federer to Gisele Bundchen.

Virgin Atlantic CEO, Sir Richard Branson, dined at Meat Market Saturday night with 6 friends.  

Queen Latifah enjoyed Northern Italian faves at Quattro Thursday night.   Also checking out the best Italian food on Lincoln Road were hairstylist Oscar Blandi; Rosario Dawson and friends who also dined at Quattro this weekend.

Brazilian Soccer player Kaká (no we are NOT making this up, his real name is Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite) was seen at Cleber Lopes Beauty & Life Institute in Coral Gables this past week where he patiently waited for his wife, Caroline, to finish her blow-dry and mani/pedi.  Salon reps claim he was quite friendly and social and is returning soon for a haircut.  (He plays for Real Madrid and the Brazilian National team.)